Scheduling a Memory Assessment

Making An Appointment

Who can make an appointment?
An appointment at the Memory Assessment and Research Center can be made by any individual who is experiencing symptoms of memory loss, disorientation, and confusion that may be indicative of Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer’s disease or a related condition. Patients may be self-referred or referred by a family member, private physician, or community agency.

How do I make an appointment?
Call (949) 824-2382 to make an appointment. Out staff will determine eligibility through a brief telephone interview involving questions about the patient’s symptoms and medical history. Any questions you may have about issues such as insurance coverage will be answered during this interview, and, if you are eligible, an initial appointment will be scheduled. Please notify staff if the patient is non-English-speaking so appropriate arrangements can be made.

What information do I need to make an appointment?
Please have the following information ready when you call to make an appointment.

Patient information (name, address and telephone number)

Date of birth, social security number

Insurance information (name, policy/group number)

Primary doctor information (name, address and telephone numberAll of this information is required to make an appointment.

What forms of payment are accepted?

Medicare and supplemental insurances, Medicare-MediCal, and private payment are accepted. Generally HMOs do not cover the evaluation. Also, if you only have MediCal, the evaluation is not covered. If you are uncertain about coverage, please contact your insurance provider. Special financial arrangements can be made in advance.

How many appointments are needed?

The full evaluation typically includes three appointments.

Appointment 1: Neuropsychological Assessment
Approximate length of appointment: 2-2 1/2 hours. A clinical interview is completed with a family member during the patient’s neuropsychological assessment.

Appointment 2: Neurological Examination
Approximate length of appointment: 1-1 1/2 hours. The first two appointments are scheduled close together, often one day after another. Following the neurological examination, additional tests may be ordered. As necessary, brain scans (such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging/MRI), a complete blood workup, chest x-ray, and electrocardiogram (EKG), may be performed to help diagnose treatable causes of memory loss. Arrangements for these tests at the appropriate facilities can be made either through the center’s staff or the referring physician.

Appointment 3: Family Conference
Approximate length of appointment: 1 1/2-2 hours
A family conference is scheduled after the results of the neuropsychological assessment, neurological examination, and any other tests have been compiled and reviewed by our expert clinicians. Patient and family members are encouraged to attend the family conference. A full report detailing the results of the evaluation, diagnosis, and recommendations will be sent to the patient and the referring physician after completion of the family conference.

How do I cancel an appointment?

Appointments are made several weeks in advance and can be cancelled by calling (949) 824-2382 at least two weeks in advance to avoid cancellation fees.